Waste characterization studies provide critical information for planning waste reduction and diversion efforts—but budgets are tight and it may feel like collecting enough data for high-quality insights is out of reach. Drawing on more than 30 years of waste characterization experience, Cascadia shares four ways thoughtful study design can

What does it take to turn statewide organics requirements into practices that work for local businesses and residents? Since 2024, Cascadia has partnered with the City of Los Altos and Mission Trail Waste Systems to provide hands-on outreach and technical assistance—and annual visits are showing signs of lasting progress.

Wildfire happens in Western Washington—and preparation can make a difference. Cascadia worked with King County and regional wildfire experts to transform technical guidance into a locally tailored, user-tested toolkit that helps residents understand their risk and take practical steps to prepare their homes and households.

Cascadia was contracted by the U.S. Department of Energy to lead a multi-year effort to evaluate municipal solid waste (MSW) as a potential feedstock for nationwide biofuel production. Through field sampling, laboratory coordination, and analysis, the project is helping build a clearer picture of how existing materials management systems

A FEMA-funded regional pilot is reshaping how communities prepare for disasters across Puget Sound. By centering community leadership and investing in local capacity, Cascadia supported the collaborative design of resilience hubs that reflect local knowledge, strengthen connections, and expand access to critical resources in times of crisis.

In a city facing significant environmental burdens, Pico Rivera’s first Climate Action and Adaptation Plan reflects the priorities of those most impacted. Through in-language outreach and partnerships with local organizations, Cascadia helped ensure community voices shaped the path forward.

California is landfilling nearly 1.2 million tons of textiles each year—at a cost of roughly $99 million annually. In partnership with USAgain, Cascadia analyzed how implementation of SB 707 could unlock green jobs, reduce emissions, and expand textile reuse statewide. Our findings highlight both the scale of opportunity and

Cascadia led the Environmental Justice Assessment for the Puget Sound Partnership’s 2026–2030 Action Agenda, engaging Tribes and community-based organizations across Puget Sound. This Assessment is required by Washington State’s HEAL Act, and engagement shaped dozens of new and revised strategies guiding Puget Sound recovery.

To help the City of Seattle cut landfill disposal in half by 2030, Cascadia partnered with Seattle Public Utilities to examine food waste at major public events. Through on-the-ground audits at Bumbershoot and Festa Italiana, we identified practical opportunities to expand food rescue and reuse—reducing waste, lowering costs, and

Cascadia staff saw an opportunity to bring together and present on findings from past statewide contamination work and identify opportunities for recycling and EPR policies.